During the Winter of 1943-44 the Allies fought against the Axis around Montecassino, 32 miles south of Rome. On January 22nd, 1944, Allied troops landed in Anzio, near Cassino, in order to outflank this line. Members of the Free French Forces, which included the 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division (composed of Berber soldiers) fought side by side with the American Vth Army. Montecassino was liberated only in May 1944.